Tag: Tennessee state football

Ohio Valley Conference announces return to traditional football branding

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Courtesy of Kyle Schwartz, Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications, Ohio Valley Conference Building upon a legacy that spans nearly 80 years and includes national championship teams, All-Americans, National Players of the Year and NFL draft picks, the Ohio Valley Conference announced today that its football-playing members will once again compete under the OVC name and logo beginning with the 2026 season. The return to the OVC identity follows three successful years of partnership with the Big South Conference under the names Big South-OVC Football Association (2023, 2024) and OVC-Big South…

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The John A. Merritt Classic moved to FirstBank Stadium

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Courtesy of Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics NASHVILLE — Tennessee State and Jackson State will renew one of HBCU football’s most storied rivalries at Vanderbilt University’s FirstBank Stadium when the teams meet in the 2026 John A. Merritt Classic, presented by the Tennessee Titans and ONE Community, on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Tennessee State 2026 single-game tickets, including the John A. Merritt Classic, will go on sale Monday, June 15, at 9 a.m. CT. The game will be played at FirstBank Stadium due to NFL scheduling, which has the Tennessee Titans…

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Tennessee State Alum Shannon Harris Continues Elevating HBCU Coaching Legacy With DC Defenders

Brandon King

Image via the DC Defenders The impact of HBCUs on professional football extends far beyond the players on the field. Tennessee State University alumnus and DC Defenders head coach Shannon Harris is proving that point in a major way. Harris has guided the Defenders to the UFL Championship Game for the second consecutive season, further solidifying his reputation as one of professional football’s rising coaching stars. His success represents not only a personal achievement but also another significant milestone for Tennessee State and the HBCU football community. A former quarterback…

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Tennessee State Flips 3-Star Defensive Back Rymen Mosley From Rice

Brandon King

Tennessee State continues to make noise on the recruiting trail. The Tigers have secured a commitment from 2026 three-star defensive back Rymen Mosley, who announced his pledge to TSU after previously being committed to Rice Owls. Mosley, a standout from Cardinal Mooney High School, brings athleticism, versatility, and playmaking ability to Tennessee State’s secondary. Coming out of Cardinal Mooney ( Sarasota, FL) Mosley was scouted as a player that is “quick and instinctive” and plays “much bigger than his 5-10 frame.” “I feel like with me being undersized it’s a…

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Tennessee State Football News: Richard Dent named as Special Advisor to Reggie Barlow

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Courtesy of Nick Guerriero, Assistant AD – Communications & Broadcasting NASHVILLE — Tennessee State University football announced the addition of NFL Hall of Famer and TSU legend Richard Dent as Special Advisor to Head Coach Reggie Barlow. “When I was blessed to take this job, I quickly learned just how rich the legacy of Tennessee State football truly is, and there’s no name that represents that legacy more than Richard Dent,” Barlow said. “From the beginning, one of my goals was to reconnect our former greats with this program and make sure…

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Tennessee State adds decemvirate on Signing Day

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Image via Tennessee State football / Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics Tennessee State head football coach Reggie Barlow announced Wednesday the addition of 10 student-athletes as part of the 2026 National Signing Day class. The group features transfers from the FBS and FCS levels along with proven high school standouts, adding depth and experience across the offensive and defensive units. “National Signing Day is another opportunity for us to add talent and depth to our program,” said Barlow. “With the recruiting cycle constantly evolving—December signings, the transfer portal, spring opportunities—we were able…

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Tennessee State unveils 2026 football schedule

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Image via Tennessee State football Tennessee State University football announced its 2026 season schedule on Tuesday, highlighted by a four major HBCU games, a challenging slate of OVC–Big South Conference games, marquee home matchups and key road tests as the Tigers look to build momentum under second-year head coach Reggie Barlow. TSU vs Jackson State — Week 0 — Aug 29 The matchup marks the first-ever meeting between TSU and Jackson State at the John A. Merritt Classic, adding a new chapter to a series that dates back more than seven…

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Tennessee State to face FAMU in Tallahassee in 2026

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Jackson State will not be the only long-time rival to return to Tennessee State’s schedule in 2026. Florida A&M unveiled its 2026 schedule and the Tigers and Rattlers will be getting it on. The September 19 meeting will see Tennessee State head to Tallahassee, FL to face FAMU at Bragg Memorial Stadium.  The two-game series will see a return matchup in Nashville in 2027.  “This rivalry represents the very foundation of HBCU football-tradition, excellence, and community, ” said Tennessee State Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen. “Reconnecting with Florida A&M…

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Tennessee State to play Morgan State in 2026 and 2027

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Tennessee State and Morgan State will take part in a home-and-home series that starts in 2026.  TSU will welcome Morgan State on October 17, 2026, with the return meeting to take place in Baltimore next season.  Tennessee State is 4-0 all-time against Morgan, beating the Bears 14-0 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in the 1972 Atlanta Ebony Classic and then 21-0 in 1985 at Vanderbilt Stadium.  The 1985 win was followed by a 52-10 beatdown in Baltimore in 1986, as well as a 37-17 victory in 1987 at Hale Stadium.  Information…

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Here is Tennessee State football’s 2026 conference schedule 

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On Tuesday, the Ohio Valley-Big South Football Conference announced its 2026 conference schedule.  Tennessee State’s 8-game conference docket is comprised of 4 home games and 4 on the road and opens with a trip to Macomb, Illinois to face Western Illinois, who edged the Tigers 17-16 last season, on October 3.  That is followed by a home game against UT Martin, the SkyHawks defeated the Tigers 26-7 aseason ago, on October 10 and then the Tigers have their bye week on October 17.  TSU returns to action October 24, playing…

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